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A car’s drivetrain connects its engine and transmission in order to transfer power from engine to wheels, comprising transmission, driveshaft, differentials and axles.
Drivetrain systems in cars can be very complex, leading to expensive repair bills should something go wrong with them. Luckily, many warranties cover this expense to help minimize repair bills in such instances.
Transmission
Transmissions are vital parts of any vehicle that transmit power from its engine to your wheels, and therefore must remain in proper working condition at all times. It’s wise to maintain optimal transmission performance to maximize vehicle performance.
Transmission derives its name from Latin, transmissio, which translates to “transmission.” This term refers to the process of passing something from one place to another or spreading information or disease between individuals.
Transmissions are gear systems designed to match the rotational speed of an internal combustion engine with that of its drive wheels, providing more efficient performance for improved fuel economy.
There are multiple types of transmissions, both automatic and manual. Both feature a transmission pump which circulates fluid throughout the transmission to keep all moving parts lubricated and cool.
Automatic transmissions utilize an engine crankshaft-connected pump which circulates transmission fluid around its interior parts lubricating and cooling them to help ensure smooth performance. In such an arrangement, transmission fluid circulates in its entirety before being pressurized by this same pump to pressurize it for optimal transmission function.
When shifting gears with your shift lever, valves in the transmission open to direct fluid towards clutches or bands that need engaging. This allows you to change gears without stopping the engine or manually shifting levers.
United States motorists typically utilize two types of transmission systems, including manual and automatic. Manual transmission requires the driver to shift gears manually while an automatic does not necessitate any manual changes from them.
Driveshaft
Driveshafts are an integral component of the transmission system in any vehicle. They connect your engine to either your rear axle (rear wheel drive), or front and rear axles (four wheel drive) depending on your car model type.
Your driveshaft is made up of multiple parts that work together to turn your wheels. These include a drive shaft, differential and clutch.
The drive shaft transfers torque from an engine to the back end of a transmission and connects directly with a differential, before transmitting torque from there directly onto wheels.
A driveshaft is an integral component of transmission that must be kept properly in order to keep working smoothly, and any sign of wear and tear should be monitored closely. Lubricate regularly to maintain optimal functioning; check regularly for wear-and-tear on it.
If your drive shaft is producing excessive vibrations in your vehicle, it may be time for a replacement. An out of balance driveshaft can put other parts of the drive train at risk of wear.
If you hear abnormal noises while driving, such as clunking, grinding or scraping noises from under your vehicle, this may indicate a damaged driveshaft and require repair or replacement from an auto service shop in your area.
An incorrectly functioning driveshaft can prevent your wheels from turning smoothly, severely impacting both driving control and maneuverability. Therefore, this issue must be dealt with immediately in order to prevent further complications from arising.
Axle
Axles are one of the key drivetrain components in any vehicle, transferring power from its engine to your wheels for forward momentum and acceleration.
Your vehicle will likely contain multiple different types of axles; straight, split and tandem are among them.
Straight axles consist of just one shaft connecting two parallel wheels, enabling it to keep wheel positions constant while evenly dispersing heavy loads. This type of axle is commonly seen on passenger cars as well as many commercial vehicles.
Axles are used in trucks and trailers to support the weight of cargo, in some designs they’re even suspended above ground to reduce wear on tires and wheels when not in use.
Full-floating axles provide another form of axle design which carries all of its load through its casing itself, relieving much of the stress placed upon this component and increasing resistance against lateral stress.
Full-floating axles are typically seen on heavier truck applications and dump trucks. A full-floating axle can carry more weight than its counterparts because its hubs feature individual bearings to absorb load distribution while remaining attached to axle shafts.
Front and rear axles play an integral part in the smooth functioning of any vehicle. While the front axle acts as a live axle connected directly to your drive shaft, while your rear axle is connected via dead axle to transmission; here the drive shaft transmits rotational force directly backwards toward your final differential which drives your wheels.
Differential
A differential is an integral component of the drivetrain that transfers engine power from transmission and driveshaft to wheels at different speeds, helping reduce strain on drivetrain and increase fuel efficiency by allowing wheels to turn at various rates.
A differential typically comprises of three gears that mesh together: ring gear, pinion gear and two side gears. These gears help transmit power from the ring gear to each wheel half shaft using half shaft couplings.
When traveling in a straight path, both ring and spider gears rotate as one to distribute power equally to each half shaft. As soon as a car begins turning left or right, however, each wheel faces differing resistance which necessitates separate rotation of its spider gear in order to accommodate for its increased resistance.
Each individual side gear also rotates at different speeds when turning, to compensate for differences in velocity between wheels. This enables wheels to turn at various speeds when driving over bumpy roads or making turns.
Differentials are an integral component of rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles. They allow the front and rear wheels to spin at different speeds, giving drivers more maneuverability around corners without skidding or losing traction.
The differential can also distribute power to wheels with superior traction, helping prevent wheelspin and ensure the car continues traveling forward smoothly. This feature is especially helpful in situations when one wheel has more grip than the others – such as on wet or slippery surfaces.
The differential is an integral component of any drivetrain, responsible for evenly disbursing engine power across all wheels. This makes it a crucial part of vehicle performance and ensures drivers maintain control of their vehicle while driving safely.
Clutch
A clutch is a mechanical device used to connect the rotating shafts of your engine and transmission, enabling power transfer from engine to transmission. This part can be found both manual transmission vehicles as well as those using automatic transmission.
Clutch parts include the clutch disc, pressure plate and flywheel. These components are located inside your engine compartment and must be very strong to withstand the force generated by engine rotation.
The pressure plate is the heart of your clutch system as it applies a clamping force on the clutch disk located between it and the flywheel, to keep it from slipping and diverting power away from driving wheels. Without such force applied by pressure plates, engine power would never reach drive wheels as intended by their designers.
Release bearing is another integral component, moving in and out of diaphragm spring when clutch pedal is depressed to compress diaphragm spring and lift off pressure plate. This move pushes down on release bearing, pushing diaphragm spring off pressure plate and release bearing is forced down further causing compression which then lifts it from pressure plate.
If your clutch is giving you trouble, contact AAMCO Minnesota immediately for expert diagnostic and repair service. They can identify any potential issues and perform necessary repairs.
Clutches can slip under power, which causes the engine to rev more rapidly and may make shifting gears difficult. They may also become damaged due to poor alignment or other reasons; therefore, it’s wise to get it inspected at AAMCO before continuing your drive.